Frequently asked questions

We have no minimum order quantity & typically dispatch printed labels jobs by next day carrier within approximately 3 days of artwork approval.

We have put together the FAQ containing the more commonly asked questions regarding our products and services. If you cannot find your answer here or would like a more detailed response please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tel: 01543 431 070    Email: sales@selfadhesivelabels.com

• Q Do you have a minimum order?
A No. We specialise in short run labelling, and regularly print any quantity from 1 label onwards. We also keep our minimum invoice value down to just £150 which includes your labels, artwork, printing blocks (if needed), cutters (if needed) and carriage, but excludes VAT.
• Q Have you got a price list or catalogue?
A No. The nature of label printing and the millions of possible combinations of colours, materials, machines and sizes means that it is not feasible to publish a price list except for stock items. Instead we will work with you to select the best combination of materials and print effects to cost effectively solve your labelling needs.

We are particularly comfortable working with companies who are not familiar with labelling, and may be looking for labels for the first time.

We display many examples of previous work for clients online, but as our main business is the custom printing of self adhesive labels the nature of our work means that 90%+ of our products are bespoke and can not be sold via a catalogue. We do however supply comprehensive free sample packs showing examples of our work - why not request one now?
• Q Who do I contact with an inquiry?
A We have a dedicated sales and administration team who will be pleased to offer you advice on your label needs and provide you with a non-obligation quotation. Click here to contact us.
• Q I cannot find what I want?
A If you can not find what you want then please contact us and ask, or use the website search button on the top left side of this page.
• Q How do you want the artwork?
A Please follow our artwork instructions when sending us your artwork.
• Q How long is delivery?
A This depends on what you order. We aim to deliver printed labels within 3 days of your order and artwork approval, but it is often quicker. We will tell you if there is going to be a delay, but please make us aware of your delivery needs when you order - we will always try to meet your needs. We offer an express service for business customers who need their custom made labels very urgently.
• Q Is VAT included in the price?
A No. Our quotations exclude VAT.
• Q What is thermal printing?
A In direct thermal printing an image is created within the heat sensitive surface coating on the label. It is important to understand the longevity requirement of the printed image as direct thermal labels are designed for relatively short-term applications.

Across the thermal print head are very many small elements called pixels, which can be selectively heated electronically from a computer's memory, to create text or bar code patterns. The label material passes underneath the print head and is held against it by a backing roller, the heated pixels activate the thermal coating on the label and the images appear.

In direct thermal printing the following adjustable variables must be optimised to achieve the ideal print quality.

i) The level of print head energy is adjustable
ii) Machines have a wide range of printing speed.
iii) The backing roller pressure must be correct.
There are three sensitivity levels of direct thermal coatings to suit different printing speeds.

During thermal transfer printing the print head works just the same as when direct thermal printing, but instead of using a heat sensitive label material a heat sensitive ribbon is introduced between the print head and a very smooth label material.

The backing roller holds the ribbon and label against the print head during printing and the images are transferred from the heat sensitive ribbon onto the label surface.

There are several types and qualities of thermal transfer ribbons to suit the technology of the print head and the durability requirements of the label material and application.

In thermal transfer printing the following adjustable variables must be optimised to achieve the ideal print quality, which should be permanent and long lasting.


The level of print head energy is adjustable.
Machines have a wide range of printing speed.
The backing roller pressure must be correct.
The correct choice of ribbon to suit the print head type, printing speed and the end use of the printed label.

• Q Do you supply metallised labels?
A Yes, we manufacture a variety of high quality labels using the hotfoil process and manufacture materials which are both durable and aesthetically pleasing with a metallic foil effect.
• Q Is delivery included in the price?
A This depends on what you order. We aim to deliver printed labels within 3 days of your order and artwork approval, but it is often quicker. We will tell you if there is going to be a delay, but please make us aware of your delivery needs when you order - we will always try to meet your needs. We offer an express service for business customers who need their custom made labels very urgently.
• Q Does hotfoil mean foil labels only?
A No. Hotfoil is a manufacturing technique we use to cost effectively make short run labels, but it is also the only way to apply metallic foiled print to your labels.
• Q What quality control system do you use?
A We run a strict ISO9001:2000 quality control system accreditied by RVA/UKAS.
• Q If I wish to order after I have been quoted, what is the next stage?
A Please confirm your order with us in writing / email and we will process your order. If required, we will design your artwork and submit it to you before manufacture for approval. Once you have signed your artwork approval form, then we will process your order and deliver it to you by next day carrier service.
• Q Are there any origination charges for digital labelling?
A Yes. Digital labelling may also need a new cutter to be made, but there are no printing plate/block charges.
• Q Can I order my labels from overseas?
A Yes. We have been supplying labels to many different customers throughout the world for over 39 years. We do not charge any extra for overseas orders apart from carriage which is re-billed at cost.
• Q After my first order, do I have to pay up front for my next job?
A Maybe. We always request proforma payment for the first job from new business customers to establish good faith. Second and subsequent orders are also payable on order, unless you apply for a credit account from us, in which case make subject to strict 30 day credit rules. We apply the interest charges permitted under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 to balances outstanding after 30 days.
• Q What temperature ranges can your labels withstand?
A The service temperature is the highest & lowest temperatures the label will be exposed to expressed in degrees Centigrade. The application temperature is the temperature at which the label is applied onto the product. If you suspect that the label will be used in cold conditions then please ask for samples of different adhesives and satisfy yourself as to their suitability for your particular application.
• Q Can I pay by VISA, MASTERCARD or AMEX credit card?
A Yes. We accept payment by debit card and VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards. Unfortunately we do not accept American Express. Many customers now pay by card over the phone, so please call us and we will happily take payment over the phone by card.
• Q My labels are not what I expected. What should I do?
A Please check to see what you specified in your order. If we didn't print as per your clear instructions, we will, of course, reprint free of charge and offer our apologies. If the fault was yours, we will be happy to reprint at a reduced rate. Please call us on 01543 431 070 as soon as you notice the error.
• Q Do you offer trade re-selling arrangements?
A Yes, subject to minimum purchases and our standard conditions for trade work. Please contact us for details.
• Q Do you have an open terms and conditions of sale?
A Yes. Please ask us for our polices and Terms and Conditions of Sale.
• Q Do you print different types of labels?
A Of course! Have you visited our page on custom printing of labels for further details?
• Q Whats the difference between hologram and Holographic?
A We define a hologram as an in register or wallpaer holographic image. Bespoke holograms are very expensive to manufactuere (£5,000 and 2 months lead time), whereas holographic images are printed with special holographic foils using the hotfoil process, with origination costs under £100 and our normal lead times.
• Q I want an unusual, specialised label. Can you help?
A Yes, almost certainly. We are happy to quote for all sorts of different labels. Please email us with all the details you feel will help us to give you a comprehensive quote
• Q Can I have a logo printed on my labels?
A Of course! Please email your existing artwork, following our guidelines for artwork approval where possible.
• Q What are your standard cutters?
A We have a large variety of cutter sizes for each machine. Please email us for details as we update the list weekly with new cutters.
• Q Can you match Pantone colours?
A Yes. We can match any colour using flexographic printing, but NOT hotfoil, and sometimes not digital due to the nature of the printing process. The nature of different heats, foils and materials makes it impossible to match pantone colours using hotfoil.
• Q Does it cost more to have fewer labels on a roll?
A Yes. It is much more labour intensive to have smaller roll sizes on larger orders, and we account for this in our pricing.
• Q Is Mercian Labels Ltd a reputable company?
A Mercian Labels has been a trade labels printer for over 40 years. We have an enviable reputation within the industry for keen pricing, high quality work and excellent customer service. Our website was established in May 1998 and offers an open and reliable way to select the self adhesive labels you require. You can read customer testimonials here or click here to see more information about our company.